How I Plan My Coding Projects

Summary

In this video, the creator shares their flexible approach to planning coding projects, focusing on balancing structure with creativity. They emphasize starting with a simple sketch and loosely defined goals, followed by research to choose the right tech stack. The focus is on building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) without overwhelming oneself with unnecessary tools or deadlines. The key takeaway is that coding should be treated more like an art form, allowing for exploration and enjoyment, while still maintaining consistency in workflow to keep the project moving forward.

Takeaways

• 😀 Treat coding personal projects as a creative and flexible process, rather than a strict task. Don't get bogged down in minor details early on.
• 😀 Start with a rough sketch or a general idea of what you want to build. Focus on functionality before refining design and aesthetics.
• 😀 The first step is to understand the core features and functionality of your project, such as layout, flow, and user experience.
• 😀 When building a project, especially for web development, do research on the tech stack, frameworks, and APIs before diving into coding.
• 😀 Build the MVP (Minimum Viable Product) first. Focus on the essential features and get feedback before adding additional features.
• 😀 Avoid overcomplicating your project with tools like wireframing software or project management tools unless you're working with a team.
• 😀 Don't worry too much about design details (e.g., fonts, colors, borders) early on. These can be refined later as the project progresses.
• 😀 In personal projects, skipping things like UML diagrams and task management systems is fine. Focus on coding and solving problems in real-time.
• 😀 Set a flexible schedule for working on your project. Work consistently but avoid setting strict deadlines to reduce stress and procrastination.
• 😀 Approach your project with a mindset of learning and fun. Treat coding as an art, not a science, and allow room for experimentation and growth.
• 😀 Always leave yourself something to work on the next day. This ensures you can pick up where you left off without losing momentum.

Q & A

What is the main approach for planning a coding project in a personal setting?

The main approach is to start with a general sketch of the project and focus on the high-level structure rather than getting bogged down in minor details. This allows for flexibility and creativity while still keeping a sense of direction.

How does this personal project approach differ from professional project planning?

In a professional setting, planning is more structured, with tools like wireframes, UML diagrams, and task management systems to ensure the team is aligned. In personal projects, the approach is more relaxed, prioritizing starting to code and experimenting without extensive upfront planning.

Why is it important to start coding early in a personal project?

Starting early allows you to dive into the hands-on work, which can be more engaging and productive. It also prevents overthinking and helps you learn and adapt as you go, rather than getting caught up in the theoretical aspects.

What’s the role of sketching or wireframing in the planning phase?

Sketching or wireframing helps visualize the layout, flow, and basic functionality of the project. However, it’s not about perfection—it’s just a rough guide that can be adjusted as the project progresses.

What factors should be considered when choosing a tech stack for a personal project?

Key factors include the project’s requirements (e.g., need for a backend, database, or APIs), the developer's familiarity with certain tools or frameworks, and the goals for the project (such as building an MVP or exploring new technologies).

What is an MVP, and why is it important in coding projects?

MVP stands for Minimum Viable Product. It refers to the simplest version of a product that can be built and tested with users to gather feedback. It helps focus on core functionality first, preventing feature creep and ensuring the project is valuable before adding complexity.

How does research fit into the process of building a project?

Research is crucial for understanding the tools, frameworks, and libraries that are best suited for the project. It’s especially important when building something complex, like a game or a web app, to understand necessary mechanics, APIs, and data handling.

Why should deadlines be avoided in personal coding projects?

Deadlines can lead to unnecessary pressure and stress. Missing deadlines can cause discouragement and procrastination, hindering progress. Instead, focusing on consistent time slots for work without rigid deadlines allows for a more flexible and enjoyable workflow.

What is the benefit of setting consistent time slots for coding work?

Having consistent time slots helps maintain momentum and prevents forgetting what was previously worked on. It promotes steady progress without the stress of rigid schedules or deadlines, ensuring the project continues moving forward.

What is the overarching mindset for personal coding projects shared in the script?

The mindset is to treat coding as more of an art than a science—embracing creativity, experimentation, and flexibility. It’s important to not overcomplicate the process with excessive planning or industry-standard tools, but to focus on the enjoyment and learning that comes with building something from scratch.